Hoax device taken to PSNI station

THE PSNI in Limavady have come under scrutiny after a controlled explosion was carried out on a suspicious device brought into the station by officers last week.

The device, later confirmed to be a hoax, was found close to the town's bus depot last Sunday, January 16. It lay overnight before ATO were called to carry out tests. The Sentinel has learned that the device, believed to be made up of an aerosol taped with other materials, was taken back to the Connell Street station by police after responding to a call from a member of the public. East Londonderry MLA and DUP security spokesperson Gregory Campbell called for an investigation into the matter.

He said: "Not only was this a risk to serving officers, but to civilians and the public. Senior police officers would need to investigate the surroundings of this incident and a thorough review needs to be put in place when an incident of this nature happens."

He continued: "I haven't heard of police uncovering a device which they establish to be viable or not, then taking it back to the PSNI station. Unless there were officers who later took a different view to those who took the device back. It's unusual, but I don't believe police would have recovered it if they genuinely believed it posed a threat. I'm assuming there was later a difference of opinion."

He concluded: "Either way there needs to be a thorough investigation."

Police say the Connell Street base did not have to be evacuated during the incident, and that no officers would be facing disciplinary action.

Local Sinn Fein councillor Cathal hOISN said he was aware of the incident whilst the Mayor of Limavady Michael Carten condemned those responsible.

Mayor Carten said: "I totally condemn anyone who would try to disrupt the area in such a way by leaving this hoax device."

UUC Councillor Leslie Cubitt reminded local people to remain vigilant against suspicious objects in their local area.

He said: "Like Gerry Adams said; 'they haven't gone away you know'. These people are hell bent on killing. The public needs to become more vigilant as I only suspect incidents of this nature are going to increase. This is not helped by the lack of police numbers and resources. I have no doubt in my mind this was carried out by people outside the area."

A PSNI spokesperson confirmed the incident.

"A suspicious object was found close to the bus depot in Limavady on Sunday night (16th). Police attended and the item, which was believed to be a hoax, was taken to the station. ATO were tasked the following morning and it was confirmed to be a hoax."